The first thing to do, when you start to recognize that you have hearing loss, is to prevent added damage. There are, after all, some simple steps you can take to safeguard your hearing and minimize further hearing loss.
Step 1: Clean Your Ears
Did you clean behind your ears? It’s one of those early hygiene lessons you learn (or should have learned), right? But it’s actually the inner ear we’re concerned with cleaning when it comes to hearing health, not behind the ears.
There are multiple ways that keeping your ears free from wax can help your hearing:
- Over time, untreated hearing loss can affect your brain and your ability to interpret sounds.
- If you have a hearing aid, earwax accumulation can hinder its function as well. You might end up thinking that your hearing is going downhill because of this.
- When wax buildup becomes substantial, it can prevent sound from getting into your inner ear. This reduces your ability to hear.
- Unkempt ears raise your chances of developing an ear infection, which produces inflammation that (when severe enough) impedes your hearing. Your hearing will go back to normal after the ear infection clears.
You never turn to the use of a cotton swab to attempt to dig out built up earwax. In most instances, a cotton swab will worsen the situation or cause additional damage. Instead, use over-the-counter ear drops.
Step 2: Avoid Loud Noises
This one should almost be left off the list it’s so intuitive. The issue is that most individuals are hard-pressed to define what a “loud noise” actually is. Over an extended period of time, for instance, your ears can be damaged by driving on a busy highway. The motor on your lawnmower can be rather taxing on your ears, as well. Clearly, it’s more than rock concerts or high volume speakers that cause hearing damage.
Here are some ways to avoid damaging noise:
- Refraining from turning up the volume on your headphones when you’re watching videos or listening to music. When dangerous volumes are being reached, most phones have a built in warning.
- When decibel levels get too high, an app on your phone can warn you of that.
- When you can’t avoid noisy settings, use hearing protection. Do you work on a noisy factory floor? Going to a rock concert? That’s great. But be sure to wear the correct protection for your hearing. A perfect illustration would be earmuffs and earplugs.
The damage to your hearing from loud noises will develop gradually. So, even if your hearing “seems” good after a loud event, it may not be. Only a hearing professional can give your ears a clean bill of health.
Step #3: Treat Any Hearing Impairment You Might Have
Hearing impairment accumulates most of the time. So, the sooner you recognize the damage, the better you’ll be capable of preventing additional damage. So in terms of slowing down hearing loss, treatment is so important. Effective treatments (that you follow through with) will put your hearing in the best possible condition.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Our guidance will help you learn to safeguard your hearing because it is customized and personalized for you.
- Hearing aids stop the brain strain and social solitude that worsen hearing loss-related health issues.
- Some, but not all damage can be prevented by using hearing aids. Hearing aids will, for instance, allow you to listen to the TV or music at a lower volume, avoiding damage. Because hearing aids prevent this damage, they can also stop further decline of your hearing.
Decreasing Hearing Impairment Will Benefit You in The Long Run
Although we can’t cure hearing loss, additional damage can be avoided with treatment. One of the primary ways to do that, in many instances, is hearing aids. The correct treatment will help you maintain your current level of hearing and stop it from getting worse.
Your allowing yourself the best opportunity for healthy hearing into the future by using ear protection, getting the correct treatment, and practicing good hearing hygiene.